FOREWORD

Tn koe
Thank you for taking the time to read the 2015 Youth Declaration.
This document reflects the views of the 196 young people from across the
nation who took part in the Aotearoa Youth Declaration conference this year. It
is the result of weeks of hard work and research ending in four days of learning,
discussions and debate. The statements in the following pages represent the
compromises that were reached by a representative group of high school
students who wish to have their voices heard in the policy making decisions of
Aotearoa New Zealand.
Aotearoa Youth Declaration is an annual civics education conference, that
creates a platform for rangatahi to express their views on issues of public policy.
Taking place from the 8th - 11th of April, the four days consisted of community
outreach programmes, workshops, group discussions and industry speakers,
involving over 50 external organisations and persons.
Discussions took place in Focus Groups on 15 policy areas, with each Focus
Group broadly aligned with parliamentary select committees. Throughout four
days of intense discussion, each group crafted several statements, which are
then debated and adopted by a plenary of all participants. The statements have
been ranked in terms of importance, with each group highlighting their priority
policy issue. These priority statements represent the key problems that our
young people think need to addressed.
The power to act on these statements now rests with you. Every individual
has the capacity to bring about change in their communities, no matter how
young or old. We hope that you will spread these recommendations through
your communities, to show that age is no barrier to holding intelligent, nuanced
opinions, and to give the youth voice the weight it truly deserves.
Yours sincerely,

Gina Yukich

Aotearoa Youth Declaration 2015 Coordinator

BUSINESS AND PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

1.1. We propose that the government establishes a trust fund to
which both public and private investors can contribute, with the aim
of providing appropriate monetary support, low-interest loans, and
mentoring to aid start-up businesses in getting access to funding.
1.2. We support the current review proposed by the government to the
Resource Management Act and hope to see changes that will make resource
consent easier and cheaper for small businesses to comply with.
1.3. We propose that the government implement tax reductions for
businesses with social and community benefits, and promotes widespread
education to raise awareness about the work of social enterprises. This will
encourage social responsibility in business practises and look to strike a
balance between both business and society.
1.4. We strongly support the growth of our agricultural industry,
especially the growth of the dairy industry. We suggest increasing funding
for the purpose of developing new and existing technologies to further
improve the efficiency of agricultural production, while strengthening and
enforcing environmental production.
1.5. We encourage the government to provide subsidies or tax incentives
to businesses and property developers that operate in rural districts
to stimulate movement around Aotearoa New Zealand, boost the rural
economy, and encourage the construction of more houses.
1.6. We believe that the prevalence of foreign investors purchasing
New Zealand land could create an imbalance where New Zealand land is
not primarily owned by New Zealanders and thus restrictions should be
considered in the future.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

The Civic Engagement was held and facilitated entirely online. This was a new
initiative in 2015 that digitally replicated the methodology of Focus Group sessions
at the conference. With a key goal of making the Youth Declaration a truly accessible
and representative document, the Online Focus Group dramatically reduced
traditional barriers to engagement with the Declaration such as cost, distance and
time. Participants engaged with discussion topics, wrote draft statements and voted
on proposals to collaboratively form their collective opinion. The Online Focus Group
was freely available to all high-school students, with traditionally underrepresented
groups actively encouraged to contribute. The statements created through the
Online Focus Group represent within themselves the desire and potential for youth
engagement through novel and emerging platforms.

2.1. We strongly encourage the Ministry of Education explore the

possibility of introducing apolitical civics education as a separate
component of the New Zealand Curriculum, building upon the
current broad-based, integrated topic format it exists as currently.
An informed public is vital to democracy and this ensures that future
generations are more politically engaged.
2.2. Civics education is important, especially for young people, as it
increases awareness of methods of civic engagement and the rights and
duties of citizens. We define civics education as the teaching and study of
different types of government, political systems and processes.
2.3. We support the governments investigation and trial of online voting
systems for the upcoming 2016 Local Body elections, though we note the
importance ensuring the security and integrity of the technology used to
facilitate this. Electronic or online voting would make the electoral process
more convenient and accessible for the public, encouraging greater civic
engagement.
2.4. We particularly encourage the government to provide support
towards the incorporation of civics education into cultural and religious
activities and/or organisations targeted at Mori and Pasifika youth, in
order to more effectively educate and involve this expanding demographic.
According to the ICCES, Mori and Pasifika youth are highly engaged in
these activities yet are characterised by poor civic engagement levels.

CULTURE AND HERITAGE

3.1. We support the introduction of education, media refinement
and national multicultural days, in light of the significant loss of
cultural diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand. We recommend the
continuation and growth of cultural understanding as a priceless
taonga in areas such as education, the workplace, and urban
environments. As kaitiaki, we must emphasise the importance of
encompassing all present cultures in Aotearoa New Zealand and to
break down cultural barriers.
3.2.

We recognise the lack of indigenous cultural understanding by the

tngata of Aotearoa New Zealand and urge schools to assist in combating
this issue by implementing integrated comprehensive Mori education, with
the Treaty of Waitangi, Te Reo language skills and tikanga in the primary
education system. Fluent students can be given opportunities for further,
higher level development. We would also support increased integration of
these topics in our teaching qualifications at a tertiary level.
3.3. We encourage the government to fund broadcasting stations to
reduce the negative portrayal of cultural groups by placing cultural TV
shows at more feasible times to promote positive aspects; and supporting
the funding of a New Zealand-run media programme that explores our
cultural diversity to represent our various ethnicities in a positive manner.
3.4. The youth of Aotearoa New Zealand value our creative arts highly,
as a means of promoting cultural identity and understanding. We see this
as crucial in creating a legacy for future generations, with a focus on the
growth of funding and the contribution of creative arts to tourism.
3.5. We urge the introduction of a personalised and interactive agency
to assess and aid migrants in order to improve their quality of life, assisting
in their integration into society whilst maintaining their cultural identity and
rebuilding their mana, to promote the cultural enrichment of our nation.
3.6. We understand the importance of intercultural consensus on the
issue of changing the flag, and we support the governments current efforts
in their wide-reaching public opinion strategies, including but not limited to
flag design submissions and two national referenda held during and after
May 2015. We believe that these wide reaching public strategies are essential
to encompass all of New Zealands different viewpoints on whether or not
to change New Zealands flag.
3.7. We would like to increase opportunities for people of all ages to
engage with Mori recreational, creative, and cultural activities through
support of local government, museums, Non-Governmental Organisations
(NGOs) and local iwi.

ECONOMY AND TRADE

4.1. We are concerned with the negotiation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, particularly as it may restrict the effectiveness of
economic policy instruments. We encourage a degree of transparency
by the creation of a public forum (both online and offline). This would
allow Members of Parliament to take into account the views of the public
and that the government does not sign any agreement that overly restricts
regulatory power.
4.2. We conclude that the current level of government intervention in the economy is acceptable. We understand that to ensure the distribution of free market
gains, balanced market interventions by the government are required for socially,
environmentally and economically fair outcomes.
4.3. We agree with the signing of Free Trade Agreements. However, we are concerned with the negative impacts on New Zealand industries, and the negative social
effects of increased globalization on foreign populaces.
4.4. We believe the tikanga principles of kotahitanga and kaitiakitanga are of particular importance when formulating economic policy. These values encourage leaders to
develop a balance for the wellbeing of all parts of our country, specifically the environment, the economy, and people.
4.5. We recommend that the government further encourage schemes that support
businesses in the employment of young people to combat youth unemployment.
4.6. We encourage and support the work done by Working for Families, and recommend that the government increase investment in similar programs to help low-income
families.

EDUCATION
5.1. We believe that schools should have a more equal focus on all aspects of
learning, accommodating for different learning styles. A holistic approach to
education is instrumental to producing well-rounded citizens. We believe the
government should work with schools to ensure that such an approach is taken
seriously by the school, teachers and students.
5.2. We strongly urge a review of the National Certificate of Educational Achievement
(NCEA) system to accommodate a larger focus on allowing teachers and students to explore
certain topics more deeply. We encourage NCEA to include a greater emphasis on:
a. Strengthening critical analysis skills;
b. Increasing the international recognition of the qualification;
c. Consistency in achievement standards across levels ;
d. Re-evaluating credit value for internal and external assessment;
e. Greater integration of tikanga Mori.
5.3. We believe that more qualitative and quantitative data relating to achievement
should be available to individual schools in an appropriate manner, in order to identify areas
of improvement. We recognise the value of standardized testing in certain subject areas,
specifically primary numeracy and literacy.
5.4. We encourage the government to monitor teacher and facilitator qualifications at
Partnership Schools / Kura Hourua, so that student education is not compromised. This will
help ensure the delivery of universal, world-class, and professional education services in
Aotearoa New Zealand.
5.5. We acknowledge the important role that early childhood education (ECE) plays in
learning and development, and encourage the government to continue investing in free,
mandatory ECE, particularly for children at 4 years until they start primary school.
5.6. We recognise issues arising from the lack of basic understanding in areas such as
taxation, insurance, contracts, and the development of good financial habits. We recommend
the introduction of compulsory financial literacy into primary and early secondary education,
in order to support the growth of independent, self-sufficient members of society.
5.7. We suggest the increase of subsidies towards tertiary fees, in order to provide more
equitable access.
5.8.

We suggest that the road code and basic driving skills be taught in school.

5.9. We encourage increased flexibility and accessibility to programs for disabled and
intellectually disadvantaged students within schools systems.
5.10. We strongly recommend that the government implement compulsory foreign language
learning at primary and intermediate school. We hope that this will stimulate passion for
languages and create well-rounded New Zealanders, who are better able to communicate
and interact with foreign cultures and societies.

ENVIRONMENT
6.1. We believe in a more sustainable primary sector, which should be
achieved by reducing farming intensity, educating stakeholders, and enacting
restorative measures. In particular, Aotearoa New Zealand needs to reduce
the amount of pollutants leaching into freshwater systems, reduce CO2 and
methane emissions, as well as reassess current commercial livestock numbers.
We recommend further research into these areas and communicating safe and
preventative agricultural practices, while acknowledging our commitment to
kaitiakitanga.
6.2. We recommend the inclusion of youth in protecting Aotearoa New Zealands
environment through awareness and involvement in more environmental programs.
This should target youth broadly and be done through accessible and appropriate
avenues. In particular, we recommend extending formal sustainability education in
high schools to create environmentally responsible citizens in the future.
6.3. We wish to commend the Department of Conservation on their achievements
in the field of conservation. In order for the Department of Conservation to be able
to save endemic species - our natural, living taonga, such as the Mauis Dolphin
- they must receive more funding. Such funding should focus on maintaining and
building their work in pest control, animal rehabilitation, conservation, research and
monitoring.
6.4. We recommend government invest in renewable energy sources to make
Aotearoa New Zealand less reliant on fossil fuels and mining, and to cease deep-sea
oiling, drilling and fracking. This is because these practices poses a permanent risk
to our ecosystem, particularly our biodiversity, and will only lead to further pollution.
6.5. We recommend that the government invest in the research and implementation
of alternative sustainable fishing methods to move away from trawling. We believe
that this change will preserve both our fish stocks and marine biodiversity for future
generations.
6.6. We believe agriculture should be included within Aotearoa New Zealands
Emissions Trading Scheme. We hope that this can result in greater regulation and
incentives concerning the environmental impacts of primary industries. We also
recommend measures such as carbon taxation or investigating other appropriate
subsidies to promote sustainable agricultural and industry practices.
6.7. We believe that the government should amend existing exhaust emissions
standards. This is to better differentiate between vehicles that produce differing
degrees of emissions. We recommend implementing long-term incentives and
subsidies to help move towards low-emission vehicles, as well as taxing or
implementing import tariffs on high-emission vehicles.

ETHICS AND EQUITY

7.1. We recommend the option to identify with a non-binary gender on
all government documents and standardised tests. This is to help normalise
the idea of non-binary genders in Aotearoa New Zealand and increase the
representation of non-binary persons in official statistics.
7.2. We strongly encourage the Aotearoa New Zealand Human Rights Act
recognise both gender and socio-economic status, and substitute the term colour
with appearance in the Act. This is to ensure that marginalised groups are not
outcasted by outdated terms.
7.3. We recommend the inclusion and expansion of education about minorities
in the school curriculum both including and beyond Health and Physical Education
courses. This is to normalise these minorities, as well as educating students about
the issues faced by these communities.
7.4. We recognise and commend the government on their progressive efforts to
embrace diversity, and normalise the differences present in our country. However,
we encourage further action to create a country that is inclusive and accepting of
everyone, proactively creating equality through equity.
7.5. We strongly urge that the training of professionals within the public sector
- including but not limited to the education and healthcare sub-sectors - involves
education regarding relevant sensitive issues relating to minorities and other
marginalised groups in society. For example, educating doctors on gender identity
in the case of gender identity and gender assignment for non-binary peoples.
7.6. We recommend New Zealand on Air receives government funding to go
towards the creation and progression of media content that increases the prevalence
of marginalised groups portrayed in an in depth and accurate manner. This is to
mitigate tokenistic characterisation.
7.7. We recommend the funding and implementation of a youth for youth
support system for those involved in domestic abuse, focusing on marginalised
groups nationwide, and with emphasis on rural areas. This is to encourage the destigmatisation around seeking help for those that find it difficult to come forward.
This is including but not limited to men who are victims within abusive relationships.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS
8.1. We congratulate Aotearoa New Zealand on its successful election to
the UN Security Council. We trust that Aotearoa New Zealand will maintain its
status as an independent moral voice and peace-broker. We would like to see
objectivity and integrity in engagement with issues of international security, such
as the resolution of civil conflicts, like the Ukrainian crisis, and acts of terrorism,
including those committed by Boko Haram.
8.2. We call for more comprehensive public consultation with all age groups in Aotearoa
New Zealand, as well as more rigorous parliamentary debate prior to any decision to enter
international conflict. Especially for engaging with youth, the implementation of online
referendums can increase the ease of gauging their opinions. New Zealanders need the
opportunity to influence and scrutinise such actions before they are taken, and it is the
duty of the government to provide these opportunities so that public opinion is taken
into account, especially given the significance of such decisions.
8.3. We support the prioritisation of the Pacific for our Official Development
Assistance. Further, we encourage increased support for education, human rights
initiatives and expertise-sharing in the region, it is our duty to lead and support our
neighbours in the Pacific, and to advocate for them internationally.
8.4. We urge the government to re-evaluate its refugee quota, given the
increasing number of people displaced due to global humanitarian crises and
climate change. We also call for a commitment in the 2016 budget to improving
and expanding services aimed at fully integrating refugees and asylum seekers
into Aotearoa New Zealand society.
8.5. We would like Aotearoa New Zealand to champion the expansion of the
term refugee as defined by the United Nations Refugee Agency to include
refugees of climate change, and to do so by investigating this change in national
legislation. We believe that it is Aotearoa New Zealands duty as a leader in the
Pacific region to set such an example.
8.6. We believe Aotearoa New Zealand should invest more in student and
professional exchange programmes. These are an effective way to strengthen
relationships with other countries and allow for cultural and intellectual ties
to be forged. There should be a special focus on non-traditional partners
in South America and Africa, and investment should ideally target NonGovernmental Organisations such as Rotary, or publicity for exchange
programs.

GOVERNANCE
9.1. We encourage the government to adopt the recommendations
put forward by the Electoral Commission in regards to abolishing
the coat-tail rule and lowering the threshold from 5% to 4%, in an
attempt to improve the fairness and effectiveness of our electoral
system.
9.2. We urge the government to entrench the Bill of Rights Act 1990 in
order to further protect the basic rights and freedoms of all New Zealanders.
9.3. We call on the government to hold a non-binding referendum on the
question of whether Aotearoa New Zealand should become a republic, in
order to determine popular opinion on this issue.
9.4. We recommend that the government extend the length of the
parliamentary term to four years to provide scope and encourage vision for
long-term government initiatives.
9.5. We affirm the increasingly prevalent trend of judges incorporating
the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi into their judgments, and prefer this to
the idea of codifying the Treaty in statute.
9.6. We endorse the re-introduction of the Constitution Conversation to
further determine public opinion on the issue.
9.7. We strongly recommend that the government initiate a review of the
compulsory voting system modelled in New South Wales and its suitability
for implementation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

HAUORA
10.1. We believe that the government should always consider the
Whare Tapa Wha model when creating health policies. This will ensure
a holistic approach is always taken towards the hauora of the nation.
10.2. We recommend the implementation of increased funding into the Very Low
Cost Access Scheme (VLCAS) to encourage clinics to provide more affordable and
accessible services after hours as those in lower socio-economic households find it
harder to access GPs.
10.3. We believe that when health professionals treat mental illness many personal
factors of the patient must be taken into account such as mental, physical, spiritual and
social and be included in the recovery process. This will ensure recovery methods are as
comprehensive and effective as possible.
10.4. We advocate for rape to be included as a legal ground for abortion in Aotearoa
New Zealand. Pregnancy as a result of rape is greatly detrimental to the overall hauora of
the victim. We would also like to see the reasonable expansion of the ground for abortion
in general to preserve the rights of women and the rights of individuals.
10.5. We recommend the implementation of more education around mental illness in
secondary schools and more funding put towards public awareness in order to remove
the stigma around mental illness.
10.6. We recommend the reduction of GST on fresh fruit and vegetables to increase
accessibility and an increased GST on carbonated drinks to act as a discouragement of
purchase. This will encourage healthy eating habits, the lack of which has created an
obesity problem in Aotearoa New Zealand.
10.7. We recommend that a compulsory education for Year 10 students surrounding
contraceptives and the emergency measures available to them be implemented. We think
greater awareness will create more informed choices and lower teen pregnancy rates.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND CIVIL DEFENCE

11.1. We suggest the implementation of a road user charge system in
Auckland for commercial trucks and freight. This will involve charging
higher prices during peak congestion times and lower prices during offpeak travel in order to avoid congestion and make for more efficient use
of roads.
11.2. We want to promote the simplification of the public transport networks
through further construction of separate and direct bus lanes in regional
centres, following the example of the Northern Expressway in Auckland. This
will promote increased frequency, uptake and safety of public transport. This
can be achieved through governmental grants, localised road taxes and user
charges.
11.3. We recommend the creation of safe cycle lanes in the city centres of
the top ten most populous cities of Aotearoa New Zealand. This will reduce
congestion, decrease carbon emissions and increase safety, while promoting
healthy living. In order to further encourage cycling in cities, we recommend
local councils to introduce public bike share systems.
11.4. We suggest the implementation of specific seats for people with
engineering backgrounds in the Christchurch City Council board to relieve the
inefficiency of the Christchurch rebuild. This would streamline the communication
between council members in the consenting process of infrastructure projects.
11.5. We recommend better communication between recovery managers
and emergency controllers to combat the problem of slow transitions between
immediate incident response and recovery in the event of a disaster. In order to
do so, we encourage the involvement of a long-term recovery manager as part
of the immediate response team.
11.6. We suggest the introduction of a building ranking system in the context
of energy efficiency for new build commercial buildings. In order to incentivise
this we recommend the government implements rebates proportional to energy
efficiency.
11.7. We support the governments energy policy of reaching 90% renewable
energy production by 2025. We believe that this growth should be focused in
the areas of offshore wind and tidal farms and geothermal production. This will
maintain the use of land for agricultural purposes.

LAW AND ORDER

12.1. We recommend that legislation is changed so that restricted
drivers are able to drive confirmed members of either their family or
household, even if they do not have legal responsibility for them. This
would further accommodate for the reality of personal situations.
12.2. We recommend a review of integrating young females under eighteen
into adult female prisons and implementing appropriate changes, as currently
juvenile wings are available for male youths but not for females.
12.3. We recommend the creation of a committee to oversee the GCSB, who
will be able to impose stricter limitations on collection of metadata of citizens
to create greater transparency on the collection and use of information.
12.4. We recommend an extension of the jurisdiction of the Youth Courts to
try young persons for murder and manslaughter, as well as a review of youth
sentences with a focus on age and reintegration into society. We believe that
this will provide further support for young offenders in the judicial process.
12.5. We recognise and celebrate the Rangatahi Courts, and its work
recognising the importance of tikanga concepts such as whanaungatanga in
the criminal justice system, as well as accommodating for the disproportionate
number of Mori youth offenders.
12.6. We suggest there is a further focus on rehabilitation, community
work and support for drug crimes, especially with the crime of possession
of Class C drugs as well a nationwide implementation of the drug court.
This would encourage social progression rather than a penal sentence,
which has significant social impacts on both offenders and the wider
community.
12.7. We recommend that marijuana should be legalised for medicinal
purposes, but specifically requiring a doctors prescription. We hope
that this will improve the medical outcomes for patients who can
receive tangible benefits from medicinal marijuana, but are currently
barred from access.

SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

13.1. We encourage the integration of business and innovation as key
competencies of intermediate and secondary school science. This will
help future generations with the development of critical thinking and
increase the innovative nature of Aotearoa New Zealands future leaders and
entrepreneurs.
13.2. We recommend that the government integrate hands-on science events, clubs
and opportunities for exposure to science workplaces throughout all levels of education
in order to foster a passion and understanding of science.
13.3. We recommend the application of incentives, such as the recognition of overseas
qualifications, through the use of short courses to assess the aptitude of qualified
individuals, educating where necessary, to aid their transition into the workforce. This is to
attract those in professions on the skills shortages list, to combat the trend of intellectuals
in Aotearoa New Zealand moving overseas.
13.4. We believe that the government should fund advertisements that propagate
the general scientific consensus on matters of public disillusionment or to encourage
intermediary organisations to create programmes to the same effect. This is to bridge the
gulf between public and professional scientific opinion on issues of general importance.
13.5. We endorse the support of small research and development focused businesses
through collaboration with larger, more established companies and scientific institutions.
This helps to address the lack of continued expansion, as well as increasing the efficiency
of scientific advancement and profit.
13.6. We recommend the need for key incentives to encourage private sectors in Aotearoa
New Zealand to invest in research and development of science and innovation, due to
relatively low private sector investment by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation
and Development (OECD) standards and an over-reliance on government funding.
13.7. We applaud the steps taken towards improving the stance of women in STEM
related careers and endorse the continuation of these egalitarian efforts.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
14.1. We strongly recommend raising the legal age at which a child leaves foster
care from 17 to 18, in addition to implementing provisional support, monitoring and
network systems to combat social isolation and ease the transition to independence.
14.2. We believe that social equality in society needs to be addressed through a stronger
focus on collective responsibility and collaborative relationships between the state, community
agencies and whanau. Government policy should consider the significance of self-sufficiency
and social inclusiveness in fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect across Aotearoa
New Zealand.
14.3. We recommend the provision of necessary resources and incentives to keep young
people who are susceptible to poverty in the schooling system and allow them to achieve
higher education as a targeted approach to breaking the poverty cycle. This will prevent
reliance on the benefit system; as well as encouraging independence, self-sufficiency, greater
societal contribution and equality.
14.4. We actively endorse introducing a nationwide warrant of fitness for all rental property,
particularly state housing. This ensures that all tenants are living in adequate conditions to
maintain their health and wellbeing.
14.5. We encourage a proactive approach to family and domestic violence at its root
through a stronger emphasis identifying risk factors and addressing persistent social,
gender and ethnic inequalities. A prioritization of reciprocal care, restoring connection and
family reunification is key to establishing healthy relationships and support systems within
communities.
14.6. We acknowledge that attitudes in Aotearoa New Zealand toward the reality of the
youth binge-drinking culture must change. We believe that in order to foster a greater focus
on safe and responsible consumption of alcohol, the underlying social influences faced by
young people needs to be addressed through youth-for-youth initiatives.
14.7. We encourage the government to prioritise the funding and provision of state housing
to increase the capacity of beneficiaries of all demographics in need of accommodation
support, particularly young people who have been identified as most vulnerable.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
15.1. We believe a review committee made up of youth from a range of backgrounds
should be formed with a focus on ensuring that Aotearoa New Zealand youth are
not unfairly portrayed within the media. We feel that the media disproportionately
focuses on the negative stereotypes of the youth in this country and fails to
adequately recognise the positive actions and behaviour of our youth today.
15.2. We recognise current efforts made by youth councils and other organisations that
work to benefit whakaurunga rangatahi in minority groups, smaller cities and towns. We
strongly encourage the further implementation and establishment of these organisations
and youth councils to combat the underrepresentation of youth minorities, as well as youth
in smaller cities and towns, in the national arena.
15.3. We recommend that the government encourage relevant organisations to recognise
the mana and potential of Mori and Pacific Island (MPI) youth. This should be achieved
by incorporating kotahitanga into their approach while promoting youth opportunities.
NZ youth platforms often appear unrelatable and unapproachable to MPI youth, which
leads to a lack of involvement.
15.4. We propose that the government encourages schools to implement a
standardised binding contract between schools, parents and guardians, and students
regarding cyber-bullying. This agreement would grant schools the authority to enforce
consequences in response to cyber-bullying incidents involving their students both
in and out of school hours.
15.5. We recommend that the government provide further funding to organisations
working for or with youth living in poverty. This is to ensure all youth have adequate
access to the basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and nutrition. We
believe the rights of all youth, as stated in the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child (UNCROC), need to be further recognised and enforced.
15.6. We propose that the government and NGOs work together with
schools and media to further promote youth mental health services in an effort
to increase awareness and understanding of said services. We appreciate the
current efforts made by the government and organisations that are working
towards combating youth mental health issues.
15.7. We believe that there is an under-appreciation of how crucial the voice
of youth is in the development of the Aotearoa New Zealand society. An
increased whakamaiohatanga of youth will empower them to reach their
potential and thus take full advantage of opportunities made available to
them.

Tikanga Glossary:
taonga - Treasure, applied to anything considered to be of
value including socially or culturally valuable objects, resources,
phenomenon, ideas and techniques.
kaitiakitanga - Guardianship, stewardship, trusteeship, or trustee.
tngata - People, men, persons, or human beings.
tikanga - The customary system of values and practices that have
developed over time and are deeply embedded in the social context.
mana - Prestige, authority, control, power, influence, or status.
kotahitanga - Unity, togetherness, solidarity, or collective action.
hauora - The concept of well-being encompassing the physical, mental and
emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of health.
rangatahi - Younger generation, youth.
whanaungatanga - Relationships through shared experiences and working
together which provides people with a sense of belonging.
whakamaiohatanga - To cause appreciation, welcome, or token of regard.
whakaurunga - Enrolment, introduction, admission, entry, or participation.

Aotearoa Youth Declaration would like to acknowledge the involvement and

support of the following organisations and individuals at the conference:

Starpath, Adolescent Health Research Group, Auckland High Court, Poto Williams, Damien
Rogers, Dannie Cullen, Gehan Gunesekara, Michelle Pratt, Christina Leung, Lisa Callagher,
Arthur Grimes, John Ip, Jacqui Southey, Nigel Kapa

IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND

(UNITED NATIONS YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND BRANCH), INC
IS THE YOUTH ARM OF THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND,
A MEMBER OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATIONS (WFUNA).

Copyright UN Youth New Zealand 2015. This publication is copyright and remains the intellectual property of UN Youth New Zealand.
No part of it may be reproduced by any means without the prior written permission of UN Youth New Zealand.